Big Brother contestant Omar was formally reprimanded in the diary room over his language and behaviour, following a wave of viewer complaints. The 21-year-old, who has been coupled up with fellow housemate Rhianna, also 21, was told by Big Brother that his conduct could cause offence.
The warning comes after the audience accused Omar of abusive behaviour, prompting nearly 7,000 complaints to Ofcom. Women's Aid also released a statement expressing concerns that ITV was providing a platform for Omar's 'worrying' behaviour, which it said 'risked minimising survivors' experiences'.
What Big Brother Told Omar
In the latest episode, Omar was summoned to the diary room. Big Brother said: 'Omar, Big Brother needs to speak to you about some of your language and behaviour in the house.'
Big Brother continued: 'Big Brother wants to bring to your attention that at times it appears that you are dismissing your fellow housemates feelings and experiences and not acknowledging the impact such behaviour could have on your fellow housemates and the viewing public. Some of your language used on more than occasion and the behaviour you've exhibited could cause offense to your fellow housemates or the viewing public.'
Omar responded: 'Nah I fully understand, I've just never dismissed a housemates feelings in all honesty. If I felt like a housemate was feeling something towards me which was incorrect then I would say that's incorrect, it's not necessarily dismissive. I didn't tell them they don't deserve a feeling and they don't deserve to feel like that. Let's just be honest here we're not talking about housemates we're talking about my conversations with Rhianna.'
He claimed he had 'done nothing but look out for her' and 'try to accommodate her and reassure her and be there for her and care for her'. He also said he had not entered the house with 'any bad intentions' or 'malice'.
Fans React to the Warning
Viewers expressed disappointment with the outcome. One fan, BB_Superfan, wrote: 'BB: You've been dismissing your Housemate's feelings. Omar: immediately dismisses the issue.' Another, Iva, noted: '"I completely understand" and "I never dismissed a houseguest's feelings" in the same breath.'
Tom said: 'This is no where NEAR what needs to be said. This is an abysmal "warning".' Liv complained: 'Big Brother can't be serious… IS THAT IT ??? he's literally backchatting and defending himself when they're calling him out and they've not even given him a formal warning either.'
Calls for Omar's removal have continued. ITV reiterated that all contestants receive 'respect and inclusion training' and an extensive briefing before entering the house, adding that 'welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production'. Big Brother airs on ITV2 at 9pm Sunday through to Thursday. Metro has reached out to ITV for comment.
